Level

Level

FAQ

Q: What is the difference between Set and Core in the Analytics suite?A: Level Set is our introductory program prepares you to become more data literate, where Level Core, our intermediate program, allows you to master the tools needed to land a job as an analyst. If you are very new to Analytics, we recommend beginning with Level Set and building a strong foundation. Anyone can try to test into Level Core by completing an Excel/Statistics assessment.

Q: Why R instead of Python?A: Both R and Python are commonly used tools for performing analyses too advanced for Excel. Our employer partners more commonly use R, but once you learn one, it’s easier to learn the other.

Q: Will this make me more prepared for graduate school?A: Level will help you understand what data is and how it’s used in the real world. This is not a certificate program or masters degree, but can help you learn a lot quickly. Whether this is better for you than a master’s degree depends on your career goals.Q: Will I receive a certificate?A: You will receive a certificate from Level at Northeastern. This certificate can stack into the MPSA.Q: Are there scholarships available?A: Yes. They are merit-based scholarships that we’re able to offer after receiving your application. Your analytics assessment doubles as automatic entry to our scholarship pool.

Q: Do you work with any 3rd-party tuition financiers?
A: Yes! We work with a mentorship company called MentorWorks that can fund student tuition for the Level program in Boston, in the form of ISAs. If you are unemployed, Level tuition is also approved for funding by the WIOA/TAA in all of the major cities in which we operate. Additionally, we’ve aggregated some resources here to get you started researching 3rd-party scholarships.

Q: Are jobs guaranteed?A: We can’t guarantee jobs, but I know that a job is the number one priority, so we work to make sure you get as many opportunities as possible to build your network and show off your skills. We frequently bring in guest speakers from companies in the area so you can not only hear about their experiences, but build your network. On average, we see an 86% placement rate within 3-6 months of graduating Level.

Q: What kind of jobs do Level students have?A. Level students have titles including various “analyst” positions, but also work as strategists, consultants, in project and product management, and more. The type of job you may get also depends on your existing background. For example, people with Management experience or Domain expertise can sometimes jump into more senior positions.

Q: Do I need my own laptop?A: Yes. You need to bring your own laptop with with at least 4GB of RAM and an i5 or equivalent processor and with Microsoft Excel installed.Q: Is there homework?A: For the full-time program: No. We’d prefer to have you work through problems in close proximity to your classmates, the lecturer, and the TAs so that you can get the support you need.For the Hybrid program: Yes. There is roughly 12 hours of online homework to be completed each week.Q: Who are some of the employer partners?A: We are partnered with companies like Care.com, KPMG, and Humana, which is a large insurance company. We’re also partnered with smaller organizations like RueLaLa and Burning Glass. Is there a specific company or industry you’re interested in working in?Q: Are the employer partners hiring?A: A lot of them are! Wayfair, for example, first approached us because they were looking to hire 10 analysts.

Q: What is the difference between Level’s online virtual course and other online courses?Level’s in person and virtual classes focus on the networking component, and also have individualized capstone projects and case studies where you can exercise your interests- it’s more personalized, and more of a commitment than an online course. For example, in an online course, rather than log into a live-streamed synchronous classroom setting and participate, you’d likely watch recorded videos and participate on your own time. 95% of students typically don’t complete courses like that if they are not geared toward a degree.

Q: What does the virtual classroom experience look like?Once you are accepted into the program you will get a course schedule for your cohort which will include dates for your orientation, classes and capstone presentations as well as a list of resources you will need for the program.

Orientation is held in 2 date/time slots, beginning about a week prior to the start of the program. Orientation is two hours long and designed to help you familiarize yourself with the virtual software, and get to know your classmates. If you cannot make a virtual orientation session, you will receive “how-to” materials and have the option to schedule a session with a Level staff member.

Virtual classes will meet one evening a week (typically a Wednesday or Thursday night). There will also be a second, optional weekly meeting, known as recitation (review or tutorial hours), where students can supplement their learning by solving additional problems and getting extra help from the instructor or TA.

Recitation is usually optional, however it will be mandatory about three times during the program for presentations. Level Core runs 22-weeks and Level Set runs 15-weeks. The program ends with capstone presentations and graduation that will be held at our Boston and Seattle campuses.

Q: How do the Capstone projects work in the virtual classroom?A: The capstone projects work exactly the same way as they would in the on-site format. You’ll be put in touch with one of our pre-scoped partners, or will work with your employer, and from there will work out a communication schedule at the discretion of both you and your capstone partner. Often times in the on-site classes as well, communication is done remotely via phone, email, video chat, etc. However, you and your partner will determine the best way for you both to communicate.

Q: How is networking facilitated in the virtual classroom?All of our virtual east and west coast events are held at the Boston and Seattle campus hubs respectively. If you are not able to attend in person, you can still attend and participate via live stream, just as if you were there. We also host networking events at our other campus locations, which are open to students, alumni and the public.

Additionally, there are professional development days built into the program and the option to work with a 1:1 career coach, and/or to leverage Northeastern’s #1 nationally ranked Career Services Network.

Q: What kind of computer do I need? Can I use a tablet?A tablet will not be powerful enough for use in the Level programs. You’ll need to have a laptop with at least 4GB of ram and an i5 or equivalent processor.